Kalonzo calls for action following Utumishi Girls’ Academy fire tragedy
By Kenneth Mwenda, May 28, 2026Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has expressed deep sorrow following the deadly fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
In a statement posted on his X account on Thursday morning, May 28, 2026, Kalonzo said he joined Kenyans in mourning the girls who lost their lives in the early morning dormitory fire.
“With a heart weighed down by profound grief, I join all Kenyans in mourning the precious lives of the young girls taken from us in the devastating fire at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil,” he said.
Authorities reported that the fire broke out at around 1 am, with the Kenya Red Cross confirming it was officially reported at about 3.30 am. Emergency teams, including E-Plus ambulance crews and psychosocial support officers, were deployed to the school to assist in rescue efforts and support traumatised students.
“Following a fire incident reported at around 3:30 am at Utumishi Girls Academy in Nakuru County, Kenya Red Cross responded to support the ongoing emergency response,” the organisation said.
Police officers and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives were also deployed to the school as a headcount was launched to determine the number of students present during the fire. Authorities said only parents were being allowed into the compound as investigations continued.
Rift Valley Regional Commander Masoud Munyi confirmed the ongoing process.
“We have deployed our officers and DCI detectives to the school, and a head count is currently underway to establish exactly how many students were present at the time of the fire,” he said.
Kalonzo calls for action
Kalonzo described the girls as children full of promise whose lives had been cut short too soon.
“They were daughters, sisters, and friends; precious girls full of dreams, full of promise, full of life,” he said, adding that families were left shattered and in pain.
He also sent a message of comfort to injured students and families affected by the tragedy, urging support and prayers for recovery.
“To the injured students, may our Almighty God grant you swift and complete recovery. And may you feel the warmth of a nation surrounding you as you heal,” he said.
The Wiper leader urged political leaders attending the National Prayer Breakfast to turn words into action, warning against empty promises in moments of national grief.
“As leaders, we will be judged not by what we said in prayer this morning, but by what we did for the least of these in the days that follow,” he said.
He called for stronger measures to prevent similar tragedies in schools, saying national mourning must be matched with reforms that protect learners.
“Let us honour these young lives not merely with tears and tributes, but with action that ensures no other family endures this unbearable pain,” he said, quoting Psalm 147:3: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
The fire has added to growing concern over school safety in Kenya, as investigations into the cause of the blaze continue.